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May, 2025

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Recovery from Clavicle Surgery (collar bone)

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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
So yesterday I broke my collarbone in half, they are putting in a plate and some screws, just was oping that some one else might have some ideas to help speed up the recovery to ensure that I can ski some this season.

Here is a link to the x ray- https://www.newschoolers.com/photo/745595.0/Double-of-Death?c=13&o=8
10 years ago
8 4
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edai
Posts: 4995 - Karma: 4,705
haha word dude, i actuall broke mine bout 12 weeks playing football and i think i re broke it on friday skiing but i havent gotten x rays yet. youre going to fuckup and use that arm a lot before youre supposed to thats the biggest issue i had. youll be having surgery though so yor experience will be a little shittier than mine. im trying to think of other advice, just ask any questions and ill tell you.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
eazy.haha word dude, i actuall broke mine bout 12 weeks playing football and i think i re broke it on friday skiing but i havent gotten x rays yet. youre going to fuckup and use that arm a lot before youre supposed to thats the biggest issue i had. youll be having surgery though so yor experience will be a little shittier than mine. im trying to think of other advice, just ask any questions and ill tell you.


has it fucked up your range of motion?
10 years ago
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edai
Posts: 4995 - Karma: 4,705
youngloafhas it fucked up your range of motion?


nah but mine was kinda an odd case. i actually had full range of motion from the second i broke it, i didnt even realize it was broken after it happened and stayed in for a couple plays but realized i could feel my bone pressing against the skin. when the trainer looked at it she didnt think it was broken because i could move it in full circles around my shoulder joint. my break is super similar to yours in terms of position, it snapped upward as well in about the same location. the only reason i didnt have to get surgery was because it split in two in the middle and only the upper half popped up. i wish i had gotten surgery though because now its like borderline about to puncture the skin if i break it in the same way i did before. like i said though i think i broke it again on friday so im getting x rays to see.

honestly dude just be really really patient. i didnt listen when everyone told me to just take it really really easy and it bit me in the ass.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
eazy.nah but mine was kinda an odd case. i actually had full range of motion from the second i broke it, i didnt even realize it was broken after it happened and stayed in for a couple plays but realized i could feel my bone pressing against the skin. when the trainer looked at it she didnt think it was broken because i could move it in full circles around my shoulder joint. my break is super similar to yours in terms of position, it snapped upward as well in about the same location. the only reason i didnt have to get surgery was because it split in two in the middle and only the upper half popped up. i wish i had gotten surgery though because now its like borderline about to puncture the skin if i break it in the same way i did before. like i said though i think i broke it again on friday so im getting x rays to see.

honestly dude just be really really patient. i didnt listen when everyone told me to just take it really really easy and it bit me in the ass.


appreciate it a lot man DM me what the verdict is on your arm
10 years ago
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humpty
Posts: 1190 - Karma: 3,162
Ouch that looks rough. Just rest alot man. play video games, weed if your into it. After about 2 weeks i went hiking alot, but it sucks cause you cant drive. Hope it heals up quick man.
10 years ago
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kshaughn
Posts: 510 - Karma: 4,574
I broke mine back in high school playing lacrosse, but I only sat out for like 4 days and then started playing again. I only found out a broke it after the season ended when I went to the doctors. Since you've already had surgery, just don't do anything for a while and make sure you are moving that arm/shoulder as little as possible. It will suck but you will be happy about it in the long run. Take it from me when I say you really don't want to mess around with a broken collarbone.
10 years ago
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Damn that is a gnarly break! I broke mine back in HS but didn't have to get surgery. As said before, accidentally trying to use your arm is going to be the most annoying thing. Unlike most breaks where you get put in a cast and can pretty much forget about the break, you have to be constantly thinking of your shoulder and that you can't use it. If it isn't your dominant arm, that'll help a lot. I broke my right one and it took a lot of getting used to.

As far as speeding up recovery, wearing your sling as much as your doc says is really the only advice I have. They'll tell you to wear it for 6 weeks or so but after 2 you won't think you'll need it. Keep on wearing it anyway - reducing motion and stress on your shoulder will help your bone heal.

Best of luck with recovery!
10 years ago
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
Damn that's a good break. I did mine last Jan 28th, had surgery the next day getting a 6" plate and 10 screws put in. Having the surgery definitely speeds up the recovery, I was skiing again after 4 weeks (pretty chill). Found that after a week I was able to have the sling off fairly often during the day, which let me move around a little and keep my shoulder from seizing. I also slept without it after 3 days, which I found way more comfortable. Zero painkillers the entire time too. Just keep as mobile as you feel you can be.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
Broke mine 5 years ago and had a plate put in. Luckily I had a heavy courseload to keep my busy so I was never too tempted to push it early. Healed great. Could use it fine after about a week for stuff like doing dishes or playing a guitar. Really I just based what I could do off whether there was any pain.

I had the plate removed a year later. That was the part that really hurt, but I think it was worth it. Now 4 years after no plate and no issues at all. Just a big scar and some local nerve damage that's slowly been getting better. No range of motion issues or anything.

Like said, the main thing is to not chance complications by doing stuff you shouldn't till it's healed enough.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
hey thanks homies! I had the surgery this morning and it went really well. appreciate the advice for now I am just enjoying the meds
10 years ago
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edai
Posts: 4995 - Karma: 4,705
Just curious whatd they say recovery time is for surgery?
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
eazy.Just curious whatd they say recovery time is for surgery?


the doctor was local (par city) and is a surge for the US ski team and he told me that i could be back on skis in a month if I take care of it until then.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
MacMahoooonDamn that's a good break. I did mine last Jan 28th, had surgery the next day getting a 6" plate and 10 screws put in. Having the surgery definitely speeds up the recovery, I was skiing again after 4 weeks (pretty chill). Found that after a week I was able to have the sling off fairly often during the day, which let me move around a little and keep my shoulder from seizing. I also slept without it after 3 days, which I found way more comfortable. Zero painkillers the entire time too. Just keep as mobile as you feel you can be.


going through that without pain killers is a feat!
10 years ago
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ModMommy
Posts: 10877 - Karma: 58,290
Broke mine a few years ago biking. be super aware of how you're sleeping, rolling onto it is hella painful.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
moistBroke mine a few years ago biking. be super aware of how you're sleeping, rolling onto it is hella painful.


it is way rough.
10 years ago
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.Duncan.
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 459
Ive been feeling bad for myself after fracturing mine today but you case sounds way worse! I'm pretty sure the best advice is to actually rest it so that it doesn't get reinjured.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
yeah its been rather shitty so far
10 years ago
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Hubsta
Posts: 1279 - Karma: 156
I broke mine around 6 years ago and had anchors drilled into the bone. Just take it really easy for 4/6 weeks then gradually start to use it more and more. I didn't fully commit to the physiotherapy and I have a really crappy range of motion now, so make sure you focus on getting it back into action after you've got the all clear from the Doc!
10 years ago
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jyoung1046
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10
I just broke mine yesterday skiing and it is a 6 week recovery time. It sucks and hurts a lot, not being able to drive also sucks. im going to the fracture clinic tomorrow to get the final verdict. hope yours heals up quick.
10 years ago
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mikem
Posts: 968 - Karma: 9,906
humptyweed if your into it.


Are you into it cole?
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
mikemAre you into it cole?


drugs are illegal homie
10 years ago
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last_tango
Posts: 2635 - Karma: 2,665
Here is my fracture I got 9 days ago.

I'm opting out of surgery right now unless it heals all sorts of fucked up. Range of motion and taking overhead weight might be affected but I can't afford 3 months of time for recovery. Seems unlikely I will have issues with my rotator cuff. I'm also feeling strong. Yesterday I could physically move my humerus around without pain with my good arm.
10 years ago
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youngloaf
Posts: 216 - Karma: 734
last_tangoI'm opting out of surgery right now unless it heals all sorts of fucked up. Range of motion and taking overhead weight might be affected but I can't afford 3 months of time for recovery. Seems unlikely I will have issues with my rotator cuff. I'm also feeling strong. Yesterday I could physically move my humerus around without pain with my good arm.


Yeah the recovery is pretty shitty but I have skied a few times in the sling and shit. Wish you luck dude. Its a really fucking gay injury.
10 years ago
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lands11
Posts: 1818 - Karma: 1,678
Broke mine a few years ago, I chose to opt out of surgery and it heeled fine but now I have a large bump where it was pushing up onto the skin. Literally the only time it ever bothers me is when I ride a roller coaster that goes upside down with the full body harness. Other than that I never notice anything.

I did however just drop my best friend off for surgery on his that he broke a week and a half ago, his broke into four pieces so he's looking a a pretty intense surgery. The doc said he will heel just fine though, as this is an incredibly common break.
10 years ago
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Yourboybangs
Posts: 319 - Karma: 202
edaihaha word dude, i actuall broke mine bout 12 weeks playing football and i think i re broke it on friday skiing but i havent gotten x rays yet. youre going to fuckup and use that arm a lot before youre supposed to thats the biggest issue i had. youll be having surgery though so yor experience will be a little shittier than mine. im trying to think of other advice, just ask any questions and ill tell you.


This needs to be corrected along with your english, because yes if you need surgery, the break is bad, but after surgery, the plate/screws approach generally facilitates and speeds up the process. Also, generally having the surgery leads to a stronger and more aligned healing bone, as opposed to the bone trying to align itself via a brace.

Don't get me wrong though, if your break is less than 2.5cm it is up to your discretion to decide if surgery is the right path, for more hairline/less separated breaks a sling can often heal the bone well too.
9 years ago
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edai
Posts: 4995 - Karma: 4,705
youngloafappreciate it a lot man DM me what the verdict is on your arm


YourboybangsThis needs to be corrected along with your english, because yes if you need surgery, the break is bad, but after surgery, the plate/screws approach generally facilitates and speeds up the process. Also, generally having the surgery leads to a stronger and more aligned healing bone, as opposed to the bone trying to align itself via a brace.

Don't get me wrong though, if your break is less than 2.5cm it is up to your discretion to decide if surgery is the right path, for more hairline/less separated breaks a sling can often heal the bone well too.


Turns out i did break it lol and they found i chipped my scapula like 6 months earlier at mt hood. also dates
9 years ago
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Yourboybangs
Posts: 319 - Karma: 202
edaiTurns out i did break it lol and they found i chipped my scapula like 6 months earlier at mt hood. also dates


Shit sorry to hear that dude, you end up getting surgery?
9 years ago
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edai
Posts: 4995 - Karma: 4,705
YourboybangsShit sorry to hear that dude, you end up getting surgery?


nah it literally broke on the exact same line as my first just extended it further, 2016 its totally healed and i got to play my whole senior football season
9 years ago
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btedeschi
Posts: 282 - Karma: 437
i broke mine yesterday
9 years ago
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